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The wildfire that killed 19 firefighters - including 6 with ties to SoCal - burned at least 8,400 acres by Wednesday morning. California Air National Guard was prepared to assist. Robert Kovacik reports from Prescott, Ariz., for NBC4's Today in LA. (Published Wednesday, July 3, 2013)

The Yarnell Hill fire, burning in the town of Prescott just northwest of Phoenix, was at 8 percent containment as of Wednesday morning. The blaze was estimated to be fully contained by July 12, according to the Incident Information System.

Prescott Mourns Fallen Firefighters

Grieving residents are calling the 19 firefighters killed while battling the Yarnell Hill Fire, "heroes." An investigation is underway to understand how the elite unit got trapped, and how to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again. Robert Kovacik reports from Prescott, Arizona for the NBC4 News at 5 and 6 p.m. on July 2, 2013. (Published Tuesday, July 2, 2013)

Residents of Peeples Valley and Yarnell who were evacuated by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office on Sunday remain out of their homes.

Slain SoCal Firefighter, 21, Had "Extreme Work Ethic"

Kevin Woyjeck was working as a firefighter in Prescott, Arizona, when he and 18 of his comrades were killed while battling the devastating Yarnell Hill Fire. He had aspirations of working side-by-side with his father, a captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Hetty Chang reports from Seal Beach for the NBC4 News at Noon on July 1, 2013. (Published Monday, July 1, 2013)

At least 596 fire personnel were battling the flames Wednesday, including eight crews, nine helicopters and 44 engines. The California Air National Guard was scheduled to send two air tankers to make water drops by Wednesday night.

The behavior of the flames that have destroyed at least 50 homes was described as “smoldering with isolated torching.” Temperatures in the 90s are forecast for Wednesday with low humidity and potential for wind-gusting thunderstorms, bringing a fear of more erratic fire behavior, according to the incident report.

Some of the bodies of the specially trained crew killed Sunday were found covered in flame retardant shelters that are meant to deflect heat and fire. The tent-like covers are deployed as a firefighter’s last saving grace during a heated battle, but they are not guaranteed to save one from being overtaken by flames.

"It's an extreme measure that's taken under the absolute worst conditions," Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo said of the shelters.

Arizona officials launched an investigation Tuesday into the cause of the deaths, and the families of the men mourned the loss of their fallen heroes. Numerous funds and foundations were set up to collect donations for the families of those lost in the fire.

"Whatever may have happened there will be understood someday," Fraijo said.

Red Cross shelters are open at Yavapai Community College in Prescott and at the Wickenburg High School in Wickenburg. People and small animals are welcome at both shelters, and large livestock can be taken to Hidden Springs Ranch on Highway 89.